KARACHI: Karachi Port Trust (KPT) inflicted a crushing 5-1 defeat on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in the Pakistan Premier Football League on Thursday, while four-time champions WAPDA overwhelmed Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) 3-1.
Here at the KPT Stadium, KPT were too good for the lifeless PIA, who failed to show the resistance they are known for.
In the 11th minute PIA conceded an own goal, but leveled it through international striker Shakir Lashari in the 27th minute.
At the stroke of half time Mohammad bin Younis put KPT 2-1 ahead on a rebound.
A minute after the start of the second half Naveed Ahmed added to the misery of PIA before international Junaid Qadir and Zafar Majeed hit one each in the 56th and 61st minutes to seal a convincing victory for KPT.
“The team played a combined game and capitalised on maximum chances,” KPT coach Mohammad Asif told ‘The News’.
“We had the advantage because of the rhythm we had got in our first match against Navy the other day,” said Asif.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is imposing a fine of Rs25,000 per match on KPT because they have failed to get the services of any AFC License B coach, a requirement of the event for the head coaches of teams.
PIA coach Shamim Khan said keeper Sultan made silly mistakes. “It was a real upset. All the goals we conceded were because of the keeper’s mistakes,” said Shamim, a former international.
He said as his experienced goalie Bilal Rafiq was not fully fit, he would opt for 17-year-old gloveman Nouman in the next match. “We will have to take bold decisions if we are to improve our performance,” said the coach.
PIA had lost to National Bank 1-0 in their previous show.
At the Railways Stadium in Lahore, WAPDA won their second successive match when they tamed ZTBL, who lost their second game.
WAPDA, who have got coach Khalid Butt back following a couple of years of poor showing, took the initiative through international midfielder Zulfiqar Shah in the 60th minute. But six minutes later Naeem Iqbal brought the parity for ZTBL. WAPDA then hit two more goals through Adnan Shahid (79th minute) and Saadat Shah (90+3) to record a solid victory.
WAPDA rose to six points from two outings, while ZTBL are yet to open their account after two games. Today’s fixture: National Bank v Navy (Korangi Baloch Ground, Sharafi Goth, Karachi).
From: The News